Influence of Digital Technology on Printing Technology: A Survey on Screen Printing In Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria (Published)
Screen printing is one of the most reliable printing methods practiced in Nigeria despite the emergence of new approaches to printing. The paper examined the extent of practice of screen printing among screen printers in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, in relation to the adoption of digital technology in the printing profession. Questionnaires and interviews were employed as tools to elicit relevant information from the screen printers on the extent on practice of screen printing in the study area. The results revealed that the prevalent digital technological tools adopted in printing are Direct Image printing machine, Large Format printing machine, and the Flex cutting machine. Findings also identified that the practice of screen printing has been influenced by digital technology in the areas of printing quality, costing and billings, and enrolment for apprenticeship. The research further revealed that screen printing is well practiced despite digital technological advancements in the printing industry.
Keywords: Akure, Digital Technology, digital printing, screen printing, serigraphy
Influence of Mobile Photography on Outdoor Commercial Photographers in Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria (Published)
The influence of mobile photography in recent times is enormous as the number of persons with camera fitted smartphones increase. The World is engrossed in images from mobile photography through social media feeds. Many of these images may fall short of professional quality, due to limited skill of actors, nonetheless, they are increasing being deployed for visual communication. The business of commercial campus portrait photographers is threatened by these nascent mobile photographic developments. This study examined the impact of mobile photography and its corresponding social media usage on the business of commercial portrait photographers in Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), using a descriptive research approach. 294 staff, 267 students and 13 photographers who were sampled randomly for the study were administered structured questionnaire. Their responses were analyzed using test of proportion and percentages. The results obtained reveal that many members of the university community use their smartphones for capturing images of self and of others. The results further reveal a decline in the demand for print copies of photographs. Consequently, these developments signify reduced patronage of campus commercial photographers, who made the confirmation from reduction in their engagements and earnings. Many of the photographers are already making adjustments in their service offerings, as recommended by this study, if the campus must remain a viable business environment for them.
Keywords: Akure, Federal University, Nigeria, Technology, mobile photography, outdoor commercial photographers
Poverty, Sanitation and Public Health Nexus – Implications on Core Residential Neighbourhood of Akure, Nigeria (Review Completed - Accepted)
The thrust of this paper is to investigate the inter-relationship among poverty, environmental sanitation and public health with a view to establish its implication on residential neighbourhoods of Akure urban centre. The study examines the city core area as a case study. It summarizes and interprets findings from empirical survey of some residential buildings randomly selected within the study area through the use of questionnaire survey, direct observation, photo prints, housing demographic and facility surveys, while health records were obtained from the few available health institutions in the area. Research variables investigated include socio-economic lifestyle of residents, source of water supply, condition of sanitary facilities, quality of housing, and various health hazards experienced. Findings affirm the area as a typical slum environment. It also shows that health of individuals cannot be considered in isolation without considering the socio-economic base, building and the environment in which they live. The paper, therefore, recommends socio-economic revitalization, public enlightenment, environmental and health education, enforcement of environmental sanitation laws and re-introduction of old sanitary inspectors as follow-up strategies to sustain any renewal effort been proposed in the area.
Keywords: Akure, Poverty, public health, residential core, sanitation, slum dwellers
Variation of Metrological Parameters As They Affect the Tropospheric Radio Refractivity for Akure South-West Nigeria (Review Completed - Accepted)
This research work examines the effect of variations of meteorological parameters on the tropospheric radio refractivity during dry and raining seasons for Akure in 2013. The daily averages of radio refractivity during dry (January) and raining (August) seasons were calculated from the data obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET). The data that was used for the computation of radio refractivity is a daily interval of the variations of meteorological parameters for each day in the troposphere for Akure. Consequently, the daily averages of radio refractivity during raining season (August) were greater than the results in dry season (January) as a result of the variations in meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure in the lower troposphere
Keywords: Akure, Meteorological parameters, Radio refractivity, Troposphere
